A:
There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable
and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You
can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green
Guru's secret identity.

rate this answer

Thursday - March 14, 2013

QUESTION:

Hi,
I was wondering about whether a specific plant was poisonous or not specifically to cats.. I've done a lot of searching and can't find anything on whether or not this plant is considered toxic or not. The plant is called "Blue Honeywort" and is also known as "Blue Shrimp Plant" Pride of Gilbraltar" or "Blue Wax Flower". It doesn't seem to be a very well known plant.
I would like to grow one of these indoors and would just like to know if it would be safe in case my cat decided to eat it.
Thanks so much for your time!

ANSWER:

As you indicated, the plant in question has several common names, but the scientific name isCerinthe major var Purpurascens. It is native to the Mediterranean region, so it isn’t found in our Native Plant Database.

When we get questions about toxic plants, we consult several Toxic Plant Databases. I’ve included the links for future reference.

I’ve looked through these and didn’t find Cerinthe major listed. This doesn’t guarantee that the plant is non-toxic, but it increases the probability that it is not toxic.

More Poisonous Plants Questions

Lupinus perennis Poisonous to Dogs?April 14, 2013 - I have heard that some lupine varieties are quite poisonous to dogs, others are not. Do you know if it's safe for my dogs if I plant and encourage Lupinus perennis in my NH meadow?view the full question and answer

Privacy shrubs and trees that are safe for horses in CaliforniaJune 16, 2012 - What type of privacy shrubs/trees can I plant that are safe around horses? I live in the central valley in CA. Thank you!view the full question and answer

Poisonous plants of Texas Bays and EstuariesFebruary 24, 2011 - What is a poisonous native plants of the Bay and Estuary system in Southeast Texas?view the full question and answer

Plant with dark black/purple berries in a clusterNovember 06, 2012 - Today at our local dog park we noticed a bush/vine that's been growing up the fence is producing berries. It didn't flower at all. The berries look to have started out green and now are changing t...view the full question and answer

Local native plant for grave marker in WashingtonDecember 30, 2005 - Dear wildflower expert,
Our friendís dog died, and is buried in western Washington, near the town of Monroe.
My wife is from central Texas, and thought a Texas perennial would be a nice marker.
...view the full question and answer